Steven wrote:It's amazing how much changes in relatively small places where if someone isn't that familiar they might think that not a lot has changed. Just flipping between the different map layers sometimes is a real education - I'm looking closely at maps of parts of the country I'm not particularly familiar with to make sure that everything lines up properly, and every so often I come across a real "wow" map - the Fort Augustus one the other day was one for me.
I've just been looking at this again, and something that I never noticed before has come to my attention. The seventh series base layer shows the roads before the Cluanie Dam was built - nearly. The new road above the loch is shown as under construction, even if the Loch Loyne Diversion hasn't made it on to the map, but if you look really hard, comparing with the 1961 revision and the MOT map, you will also notice that the A887 (as was) has already been diverted to allow the Cluanie Dam to be constructed. This includes a tie in back to the old road west of the dam (614ft spot height) which would have only served for a year or two at most. There is no evidence of this tie-in visible on Google Maps.
The 1961 revision also explains a mystery which we discussed on the road trip way back in 2010 - the new road is shown as being single track, even though the largely contemporary Loch Loyne Diversion is full S2. This explains the numerous abandoned loops, many with bridges, along a road that was built in the mid 50s. Surely that must have been one of the most short sighted endeavours ever, unless it was completed before the Loch Loyne project was confirmed - I think this very unlikely given the tight timeframes. However, as the road west of Lundie has less evidence of a double upgrade, I wonder what the next sheet across shows?
Rob.
My mission is to travel every road and visit every town, village and hamlet in the British Isles.
I don't like thinking about how badly I am doing.
